May update

[Robert Williams]

Here’s the latest from the Reading Buses group of companies:

 

 

Reading Buses

211 returned from hybrid conversion on 19 May.

219 went away to Bus & Coach World for refurbishment on 27 May.

214 is still away for hybrid conversion.

Saturday 5 June is likely to be the last day of electric hybrid vehicles operating, with the last example 212 expected to replace 214 on 7 June.

 

806 returned to service following long-running chassis repairs on 28 May.

 

520 has been reactivated from SORN for use on 29 May and 5 June running free ‘Banksy and Two Bridges’ open top tours of Reading.

700-5 remain SORN, and 1415-17 out of use.

I understand that Aldermaston Coachlines sold former 533 to Guru Travel, Birmingham and 534 & 535 to Vale Travel, Aylesbury. They retain 532 as a seat store and parts doner for their exBlackpool DAFs with the same bodywork.

 

Newbury & District

852/3 have been sold to PC Coaches, Lincoln following school contract losses at the end of May. 852 was collected on 2 June, 853 has moved to Reading for some work prior to collection. These are the last East Lancs Olympus bodies in the Reading Buses group.

1407 has been withdrawn for disposal following the school contract losses.

 

 

Thames Valley Buses

675 was repainted into Thames Valley generic livery (ex Courtney green and white), returning on 7 May.

663 was repainted into Thames Valley generic livery (ex Courtney green and white), returning on 20 May.

659 went for repaint into Thames Valley route 16 livery (ex plain white) on 24 May, to be completed on 7 June.

 

 

Regards,

 

Robert